Russian commanders are likely mulling the return of the Soviet-era high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft M-55 (NATO reporting name: Mystic B).
This assumption was voiced on November 19 by the British Ministry of Defense intelligence.
The aircraft, which was recently used as a research platform, was seen carrying a military reconnaissance capsule designed for use on Russian fighter jets, according to the British defense establishment.
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“There is a realistic possibility that the M-55 will return to frontline service to enhance Russia's limited intelligence capabilities,” British intelligence officials say.
Why does the Russian Federation reactivate the M-55 aircraft?
At this point, the critical shortcoming of Russia's acquisition strategy is its failure to develop adequate intelligence, surveillance, and target identification capabilities.
And this is very important for the timely and accurate pursuit of targets by air, sea and ground forces.
Sensors on the M-55 aircraft, which can fly to altitudes of more than 21 km, can operate over a considerable distance.
Therefore, British intelligence officers are almost confident that the aircraft will carry out missions in Russia’s war against Ukraine from the relatively safe airspace of the Russian Federation.
Application of the A-50 aircraft
Let us recall that on November 17, the British Ministry of Defense intelligence began talking about Russia’s use of A-50 early warning and control aircraft (according to NATO classification – Mainstay D).
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British defense officials believe the aircraft is helping the Russian military identify targets over Ukraine for its ground-based SA-21 long-range air defense missile system.
In this case, the British Ministry of Defense intelligence considers it a realistic possibility that Russia will take greater risks and send the A-50 closer to the front line for more effective operation.
The full-scale war in Ukraine has been going on for 634 days.
You can monitor the situation in cities on the interactive map of military operations in Ukraine and on the map of air raids in Ukraine.
